THE LONG-HAIRED VARIETIES 35 



Tom, Queen cat, or neuter is desired ; as the latter 

 is usually lower in price, because a breeder is usually 

 very willing to dispose of all specimens not likely 

 to make winners. 



The best age to buy at is about four months, 

 and for a first-class kitten five or six guineas is a 

 reasonable price. Do not be misled by advertise- 

 ments with flowery descriptions of low-priced 

 Persians. 



Reverting to the general characteristics, beauty 

 of coat constitutes the primary factor in the whole 

 class of Persians no matter what colour. 



To put the matter plainly, the coat must be long ; 

 abundant ; dense, and soft in texture, Around the neck 

 the hair should stand off to form a collar or frill 

 which is usually lighter than the rest of the hair 

 upon the body. 



The hair composing the frill must stand well off, 

 and partly hide the shoulders and brisket. 



A highly- developed frill is significant of good 

 breeding, but allowance must be made for its 

 defective nature if a Persian is young, or not in 

 full coat. 



The head must be massive and well rounded, 

 snipiness being a defect. 



The eyes, large, full and brilliant, the iris gener- 

 ally corresponding to that of the body colour. 



The ears, well-shaped, small, and covered with 

 fine fur ; whilst the tufts springing from their bases 



